Phibun and the Nationalist Regime

The promoters, both civilian and military, had given their political
movement a nationalist label, but unanimity among them went no further
than acceptance of the official ideology. Although it was essential for
the stability of any cabinet that they work together, relations between
the civilian and military factions steadily deteriorated as more civil
offices went to military personnel. Sensing a tendency toward military
rule that he could no longer contain, Phahon retired in December 1938.
Phibun took office as prime minister, with his rival, Pridi, as finance
minister.

The Phibun regime sold nationalism to the public by using propaganda
methods borrowed from authoritarian regimes in Europe, and nationalism
was equated with Westernization. To make clear to the world--in Phibun's
words--that the country belonged to the Thai, in 1939 the name of the
country was officially changed to Muang Thai (Land of the Free), or
Thailand. That same year Pridi introduced his "Thailand for the
Thai" economic plan, which levied heavy taxes on foreign-owned
businesses, the majority of them Chinese, while offering state subsidies
to Thai-owned enterprises. The government encouraged the Thai to emulate
European fashions, decreeing, for example, that shoes and hats be worn
in public. Betel chewing was prohibited, and opium addicts were
prosecuted and, if Chinese, deported.

Although nationalism was equated with Westernization, it was not
pro-Western, either politically or culturally. Thai Christians,
especially those in government service, as well as Muslims, suffered
official discrimination. The clear inference of government statements
was that only Buddhists could be Thai patriots. At its source Thai
nationalism was anti-Chinese in character. Regulations were enacted to
check Chinese immigration and to reserve for the Thai numerous
occupations that had formerly been held predominantly by Chinese.

Phibun's nationalist regime also revived irredentist claims, stirring
up anti-French sentiment and supporting restoration of former Thai
territories in Cambodia and Laos. Seeking support against France, Phibun
cultivated closer relations with Japan. The Thai nationalists looked to
Japan as the model of an Asian country that had used Western methods and
technology to achieve rapid modernization. As Thailand confronted the
French in Indochina, the Thai looked to Japan as the only Asian country
to challenge the European powers successfully. Although the Thai were
united in their demand for the return of the lost provinces, Phibun's
enthusiasm for the Japanese was markedly greater than that of Pridi, and
many old conservatives as well viewed the course of the prime minister's
foreign policy with misgivings.